Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Help an instructor at any level of education, from kindergarten to high school. Carry out duties typically associated with a teacher, such as contributing to the development and delivery of instructional materials.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT PRESCHOOL, ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT CAREERS
Video transcript

Teacher assistants work under a licensed teacher's supervision to give students of all ages additional attention and instruction, either one-on-one or in small groups. Teacher assistants also called teacher aides and paraprofessionals monitor students' progress, and help them to learn the material that teachers present. Assistants may grade tests and check homework, or for young children at childcare centers, they may supervise playtime, and help with feeding and basic care. Some teacher assistants work only with special education students. Assistants may adapt material to the student's learning style and help with understanding, while for students with more severe disabilities, teacher assistants help with basic needs, such as eating and personal hygiene. With young adult students who have disabilities, assistants may teach skills necessary for finding a job or living independently after graduation. Some teacher assistants supervise students in a specific location, such as computer labs, recess, or in the lunchroom. Part-time schedules are common for teacher assistants, sometimes including riding the bus with students before and after school. Many work the nine-month school year, though some also work summers. Teacher assistants have a high rate of illnesses and injuries. Teacher assistants typically need to have completed at least two years of college coursework, or an associate's degree.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Physical demands
Dealing and handling conflicts
Leadership
Critical decision making
Level of responsibilities
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Competition for this position
Communication with others
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Comfort of the work setting
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Exposure to job hazards

Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More
Training and Teaching Others Know More

Areas of Study

Clerical Know More
Communications and Media Know More
Computers and Electronics Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Mathematics Know More
Psychology Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Instructing Know More
Learning Strategies Know More
Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Speaking Know More
Writing Know More